Daily Archive : Wednesday October 23, 2013

News

Oswald wedding ring among JFK items up for auction Associated PressThe ring took a circuitous route from a dresser to being offered at auction. In 2004, it was discovered in the files of a Fort Worth lawyer who once did work for Marina Porter. It was in an envelope marked “Treasury Department Secret Service” with a receipt stating that Paine gave it to the Secret Service on Dec. 2, 1963.

Donations leading to Batavia ballfield improvements By Susan Sarkauskas
A concrete company, a youth baseball league and others got approval Tuesday to make improvements to the varsity baseball field at Batavia High School. “This to me is almost a no-brainer. They put their money where their mouth is: 'We will make this happen and it won't cost the taxpayers any money,' ” school board member Gregg Hodge said.

Family finds wrong body in the casket Associated PressFamily members were horrified Monday when they looked in the casket and saw the body of another man. They have hired a lawyer and asked the state Department of Licensing to investigate.

Mundelein teacher could get plea deal in 2010 molestation case By Lee Filas
The three-year-old case against a former West Oak Middle School teacher accused of molesting a 14-year-old student may be close to wrapping up, attorneys said Wednesday. A negotiated plea deal is expected to be presented to Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti by Dec. 6, in the case against former teacher Nicole Jacobsen, 42, who is charged with molesting the student in a classroom following a...

Defense, prosecutors rest in bat attack trial
Associated PressBoth the prosecution and defense attorneys rested their case in the trial of a man accused in the 2010 baseball bat attack on two women in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood.

Elmhurst woman charged in police chase Daily Herald staff reportAn Elmhurst woman is in custody after leading police on a chase Tuesday from Bensenville to Elk Grove Village and back, according to a news release. Upon her release from Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village Wednesday — where she was transported for minor injuries — Nicole S. Evans, 30, of the 400 block of East Vallette Street, was charged with aggravated fleeing and...

Sheriff’s deputies shoot, kill unarmed 13-year-old
Associated PressSANTA ROSA, Calif. — A Northern California community is anguished over the fatal police shooting of a popular, 13-year-old boy who had been carrying a pellet gun that looked like an assault rifle. Sonoma County sheriff’s deputies had repeatedly asked the boy, Andy Lopez, to drop the weapon, but instead he raised it in their direction, police said at a news conference Wednesday.

Teen found with air soft gun near Elgin school
Daily Herald staff reportAn 18-year-old was arrested after displaying a weapon outside an Elgin school Wednesday morning, according to police. Miguel J. Zavala, 18, of the 1000 block of Morton Avenue in Elgin, was found in possession of an air soft pellet gun after police received a call around 11:30 a.m. reporting a person displaying a weapon in a vehicle outside of Gifford Street High School, police said.

Health care sign-up snags prompt deadline changes
Associated PressThe first of several hearings is set for Thursday in the Republican-led House, with lawmakers ready to pounce on the contractors who built the balky online enrollment system.Acknowledging what’s been obvious to many outside experts, the administration said Wednesday that the system didn’t get enough testing, especially at a high user volume.

Wrestlers guilty of damaging Naperville mayor’s ‘Mystical Dragon’ sculptureBy Josh StockingerTwo college wrestlers who picked up a 5-foot-tall dragon sculpture from Naperville Mayor George Pradel’s yard and chucked it off a bridge have now picked up misdemeanor convictions. Matthew Cavallaris, 21, and Adam Lehnus, 20, pleaded guilty in DuPage County court. “Hopefully they can put this behind them and learn from that lesson,” Pradel said Wednesday.

Navy wants sailors to connect with families for holidayBy Bob Susnjara
Great Lakes Naval Station brass are trying to boost the number of young sailors participating in a program dating to World War I by reminding them that generous families want to do something nice for them by offering a home-coooked meal on Thanksgiving Day. The Navy wants more than last year's 250 participants in the Adopt-a-Sailor program.

Prince George christened
Associated PressDressed in a lace and satin gown designed in the 1840s, Britain’s 3-month-old future monarch, Prince George, was christened Wednesday with water from the River Jordan at a rare gathering of four generations of the royal family.

DUI victim’s mom forgives driver for fatal Addison crashBy Josh StockingerThe mother of a man who was killed by a drunken driver on I-290 in Addison last year said at an emotional court hearing Wednesday that she was sentencing the defendant to "forgiveness." "The judicial system will decide your legal sentence. God will decide your spiritual sentence. My sentence for you will be forgiveness," Mary Ann Caruso told Daniel Clark of Naperville.

Truck driver cited in Bartlett train derailmentBy Christopher PlacekA Pennsylvania truck driver has been issued two citations in connection with Monday’s Metra train derailment in Bartlett, officials said Wednesday. But driver Volodimyr Matkivski, 41, claims he received no warnings of the train approaching before he tried to cross the tracks.

Ireland returns 2 blond children to Gypsy parents
Associated PressIreland’s justice minister says two children temporarily taken by police from their Gypsy parents have been returned to their families after DNA tests determined that the children were rightfully theirs.

Children injured after police gun discharges
Associated PressTamrin Olden of the Chino Police Department says the gun was mounted on a police motorcycle that was on display at Newman Elementary School when it went off shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Canada sex offender’s freedom in U.S. ends abruptly
Associated PressCanadian officials hadn’t sought a provisional arrest warrant that would allow U.S. officials to arrest an American citizen on home soil. Even once Michael Stanley crossed the border, Canada could have sought such a warrant and Seattle officials could have nabbed him and sent him back, said Gary Botting, a criminal defense and extradition lawyer based in the Vancouver, British Columbia area.

Georgia man killed by truck in Bartlett
By Jessica CilellaA Georgia man was killed after being hit by a dump truck in Bartlett Wednesday morning, according to police. The crash occurred around 10:50 a.m. at the intersection of Route 20 and Oak Avenue.

Barrington Hills couple describe 2008 home invasion
By Barbara VitelloCook County prosecutors described how a Wilmette man terrorized a Barrington Hills couple and their adult son and held them at gunpoint during a home invasion nearly five years ago as the trial of 28-year-old Kuhn Kim commenced Wednesday in a Rolling Meadows courtroom.

Woman testifies against aunt in Park City trailer home invasion
By Lee FilasA Waukegan woman testified Wednesday that a 1999 Park City home invasion, in which two victims — including one who was pregnant — were threatened with a knife, was masterminded by her aunt. Lizeth Dominguez, now 37, told jurors Sandra Lopez disguised herself using a wig and green contact lenses to fool the victims of the trailer home in the 3500 block of Howard Street, and pulled out a knife once...

Veto override fails, museums still free 52 days
Associated PressSPRINGFIELD — Museums and aquariums in Illinois will have to continue offering free admission 52 days a year. The Illinois House failed Tuesday to override Gov. Pat Quinn’s veto of a bill that would have cut that number in half. The vote was 49-67, far short of the 71 “yes” votes needed.

Lawsuit claims parole revocation hearings are a ‘sham’
Associated PressIllinois authorities systematically violate the rights of thousands of parolees by sending them back to prison for alleged violations in hurried, convoluted hearings — often with no lawyers available for guidance, a new class-action lawsuit alleges.

4 men continue fight against Elgin gang lawsuit
By Harry HitzemanFour men are still fighting a lawsuit filed by Elgin against Latin King members to stop them from associating with each other. The men argue the lawsuit infriges on their First Amendment rights and religious freedom because they try to convert gang members and persuade them to leave the gang. A judge ruled last summer that this was not an affirmative defense, but they want him to reconsider.

Be in the audience for the Cook of the Week Challenge cookoff After heated rounds of recipe competitions, four suburban amateur cooks have advanced to the finals of the Daily Herald’s Cook of the Week Challenge. Tickets to the live cook-off on Oct. 30 cost $20 and include one drink, cooking demonstrations and a goody bag.

Alma Mater could return to U of I in ’14Associated PressA famous sculpture may be back at the University of Illinois campus in Urbana in time for the next year’s spring graduation, officials said. The 83-year-old bronze Alma mater statue of a robed woman flanked by figures celebrating “Learning” and “Labor” was removed for repairs in August 2012.

Tests suggest baby born with HIV may be cured
Associated PressDoctors now have convincing evidence that they put HIV into remission, hopefully for good, in a Mississippi baby born with the AIDS virus — a medical first that is prompting a new look at how hard and fast such cases should be treated.

Grafton Twp. takes ownership of land it used to own
By Lenore T. AdkinsGrafton Township concluded a complicated property transaction this week that dated back several years and involved reversing the ownership of the township offices and garage from the road district to the township. The township board made a final $46,000 payment Monday to buy the property back from the road district.

Quinn to address Wheeling Twp. Democrats Oct. 30
Daily Herald reportGov. Pat Quinn will be the featured speaker at the Oct. 30 meeting of the Wheeling Township Democrats. Topics will include the governor’s accomplishments, his agenda and a look ahead to the 2014 campaign.

Study: High-dose flu shot better protection for seniors
Associated PressThe study involved 32,000 seniors in the U.S. and Canada during the last two flu seasons. Half got a regular flu shot and half got the high-dose version. The high-dose shot was 24 percent more effective than the regular shot at preventing flu, against all strains, the company said.

Police: Mount Prospect couple's deaths a murder-suicide By Lee Filas and Eric Peterson
lfilas@dailyherald.com
The fatal stabbings of a Mount Prospect couple found dead in their apartment bathtub was a murder-suicide, authorities say. The death of July Diaz-Hernandez, 31, was ruled a homicide, while the death of Victorino Lopez-Rosales, 46, was a suicide, officials said.

Gay marriage opponents invoke God, free speech
By Mike RiopellDemonstrators flooded the Illinois Capitol rotunda Wednesday asking state lawmakers to reject the push to approve same-sex marriage, emphasizing in part religious beliefs that define marriage as between a man and woman.

Illinois lawmakers to revive talks on new casinos
By Mike RiopellVideo gambling machines at bars and restaurants are already competing with Illinois’ existing casinos, which could make five more casinos and slot machines at Arlington International Racecourse an even bigger problem for them, an industry lobbyist told state lawmakers Wednesday.

Aide fired for Twitter posts
Associated PressA White House national security official was fired after it was discovered that he was behind an anonymous Twitter account that criticized the Obama administration.

Gluten-free Halloween planned
Daily Herald reportAdvocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge is hosting a gluten-free Halloween open house Saturday to celebrate its new Pediatric Celiac Center. Children, from tots to teens, are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Halloween costume to trick or treat for gluten-free candy.

Elk Grove to install new water main along Thorndale
Daily Herald reportA new 355-foot water main will be installed along Thorndale Avenue in Elk Grove Village to fix drainage problems in the area, officials said. The existing water main experienced “significant repeated failures” during repairs on Oct. 7 and 8, and subsequent failures required additional repairs.

FDA seeks pet owner help on dangerous jerky treats
Associated Press“This has been one of the most mysterious and elusive issues we’ve had to investigate,” FDA veterinarian Martine Hartogensis says. She said the investigation has been particularly complicated because researchers haven’t been able to pin down what ingredient may be causing the problem and because many of the treats and their ingredients are imported. And not much is known about animal deaths.

Mount Prospect residents can expect property tax hike
By Steve ZaluskyMount Prospect residents can expect a 5 percent increase on the village’s share of their property tax bill next year. Finance Director David Erb presented the village board this week with a balanced budget that avoids a projected $1 million deficit in the general operating fund.

Mayors press for immigration reform
Associated PressMayors of some of Illinois’ biggest municipalities called on the state’s congressional delegation Wednesday to overhaul immigration laws as a way to repair and boost the economy.

1982 double murder in Chicago re-examined
Associated PressProsecutors are re-examining the conviction of a man whose initial confession to a 1982 double murder in Chicago led to another suspect’s release and, ultimately, helped end the death penalty in Illinois.

Lisle preparing for winter clothing drive
Daily Herald reportThe director of the Lisle Township Food Pantry was distributing packages to families in need this week when she noticed a young mother with only a sweater to protect her from the cold. It’s the kind of sight, Lois Biggins says, that serves as a reminder that there are plenty of families that could use help with more than just food as we head into winter.

Hoffman Estates woman faces fourth DUI charge
By Harry HitzemanA 28-year-old Hoffman Estates woman was arrested Saturday in Elgin and charged with her fourth DUI after police found her passed out in her car on the wrong side of the street. Jessica L. Silva faces up to seven years in prison if found guilty.

Fox Valley police reports
About $5,000 damage was caused to crops and a drainage system after someone drove deliberately and recklessly in a field off Rohrsen Road, west of Turner Road, near Hampshire, according to a sheriff’s report. The damage was reported Monday.

Tri-Cities police reports
Car parts, farm equipment and several rolls of copper pipe were stolen between July 29 and Sunday from a barn in the 50W200 block of Peterson Road near Maple Park, according to a sheriff’s report.

Prescription drug disposal
Daily Herald reportThe Lake County Sheriff’s Office is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration National Prescription Drug Take Back event on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Boo Bash in Mundelein
Daily Herald reportThe Mundelein Park and Recreation District will host a free “Boo Bash” on Saturday. It will run from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Mundelein Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian Road.

Oberweis gathering signatures for US Senate run
Associated PressSPRINGFIEL — State Sen. Jim Oberweis says he’s gathering petition signatures to make a bid for the U.S. Senate.The Republican from Sugar Grove made the comments Wednesday at a Springfield rally for opponents of same-sex marriage. He says he wants to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. Oberweis is a dairy magnate who has made numerous bids for office before.

New U.S. attorney for Chicago sworn in
Associated PressAfter a year without one, Chicago finally has a new, permanent chief federal prosecutor. A chief judge told lawyers at an unrelated status hearing Wednesday he’d just sworn in 47-year-old Zachary Fardon as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. The prosecutor’s office soon after confirmed that.

Lots of Halloween events coming up to keep you busy
By Lenore AdkinsHalloween is almost here and in case you don’t have plans elsewhere, and there are several related activities going on in the community this weekend. First up is the Dundee Township Park District, which is holding Hallow-Palooza from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at the Rakow Center, 665 Barrington Avenue in Carpentersville.

Lisle police looking for missing girl Daily Herald reportLisle police are asking for the public’s help to find a 16-year-old girl who last was seen Tuesday afternoon around Lockwood and Archer avenues near Chicago’s Midway Airport.

Coffee with Schaumburg Township officials Saturday
Daily Herald reportSchaumburg Township officials will meet with residents over coffee from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 26 at Schaumburg Township hall, 1 Illinois Blvd. in Hoffman Estates. The event is an opportunity for township residents to meet with the board, clerk, assessor and highway commissioner and discuss a variety of community-related issues.

Armored truck businessman to challenge Moylan
By Mike RiopellMel Thillens, a Park Ridge Republican who helps run the armored truck company that bears his name, plans to challenge Democratic state Rep. Marty Moylan for Illinois House next year.

Poland archbishop slammed over sex abuse comments
Associated PressThe leader of Poland’s Catholic Church has come under a wave of condemnation by appearing to suggest that children are partly to blame for being sexually abused by priests. A child from a troubled family, Michalik told reporters, “seeks closeness with others and may get lost and may get the other person involved, too.” The words triggered an immediate uproar — one that Michalik tried to stamp out...

Biting spiders force UK school closure
Associated PressCreepy crawlies, in the form of a venomous spider infestation, has forced a school in Britain to close a week before Halloween.The Dean Academy, a secondary school in southwest England’s Gloucestershire, said it was closing Wednesday to get rid of the false widow spiders. The spiders are commonly mistaken for their relative, the black widow spider, whose bite can be fatal.

Mass. teacher slain; 14-year-old student charged
Associated PressA 14-year-old Massachusetts high school student is facing a murder charge in the death of a 24-year-old teacher found dead in the woods behind the school. Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett on Wednesday identified the victim as Danvers High School teacher Colleen Ritzer, of Andover.

Sex offender who fled Canada going back to court
Associated PressDays after Canadian authorities decided not to extradite a violent sex offender who crossed into the U.S., the man is in custody, suspected of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy. Michael Sean Stanley will appear in a Seattle court on Wednesday after being jailed for investigation of harassment for an incident Tuesday morning.

College price hikes appear to be moderating
Associated PressThere’s some good news on college tuition. Yes, the cost has gone up — but not as much in the past. For in-state students at a four-year public college or university, published tuition and fees increased this year on average $247 to $8,893. That’s a 2.9 percent increase — the smallest one-year increase in more than 30 years, the College Board said Wednesday in its annual report on college prices.

Dead marathon suspect tied to 2011 killings
Associated PressSlain Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev was named as a participant in an earlier triple homicide by a man who was subsequently shot to death while being questioned by authorities, according to a filing made by federal prosecutors in the case against his brother, surviving bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

DuPage board may ask sheriff to help fund $800,000 settlement By Robert Sanchez
Faced with an $800,000 expenditure to settle a lawsuit that a sheriff's deputy brought against DuPage County after being passed over for a promotion, some county board members are wondering if part of the money should come from Sheriff John Zaruba's budget. “Because of the nature of that lawsuit and the amount of money involved, I think we should just look at some ways to have some of that...

'Sin' tax hikes don't yield long-term revenue spikes By Jake Griffin
While state lawmakers continue to increase "sin taxes" on booze, cigarettes and gambling, revenues from the so-called “sin taxes” aren't keeping pace. At $1.95 billion, the state generated almost the same amount in tax revenue from these vices in 2012 as it did in 2003. “If you don't think this will affect you, it almost always does in the long run because the money almost never...

Dawn Patrol: Multi-suburb police chase; Accident on I-90 By Sara Hooker and Lee FilasPolice: Elmhurst woman led police on chase through suburbs. Thousands rally in Springfield in support of gay marriage. Hoffman Estates drowning victim remembered as hero. DuPage County debuts new Family Center. Metra insurance expert is leaving. Kerr, Miller weigh in on Bulls. Bears defense set to give up most yards ever.

Beach Park man recalls Beirut bombing on 30th anniversary of attack
By William Allen BaltzThirty years ago today, Randy Lund of Beach Park was a Marine stationed in Beirut as part of the multinational peace-keeping force in that war-torn city. He was a couple of miles away from the Marine headquarters and barracks when it was blown up by a suicide bomber, killing some 300 troops. “I thought a nuclear bomb had gone off,” he recalled.

Elk Grove Village proposing electricity taxBy Christopher Placek
Elk Grove Village officials are proposing a new electric utility tax to pay for a growing local pension obligation for village employees. The tax, unveiled by Mayor Craig Johnson at a village board meeting Tuesday night, is proposed to be a 1/2 cent per kilowatt hour of electricity used. It’s expected the new tax would cost the average homeowner $3 per month.

Antioch police chief, administrator get raises By Mick Zawislak
Employment agreements for Antioch's police chief and village administrator include raises of about 9 percent and 13 percent respectively. The pacts approved by the village board were intended to bring the salaries of those positions more into line with those in other communities. "We want to make sure they're paid fairly for what they're doing," said Mayor Lawrence Hanson.

Air-conditioning District 21 schools would cost $17 million By Deborah Donovan
Air-conditioning all the schools in Wheeling Elementary District 21 would cost about $17 million, and the district might ask voters in March to approve issuing bonds to pay for it, representatives of the 13 schools heard Tuesday.

Batavia school lunch fees increasing to meet federal law By Susan Sarkauskas
Paying for your children's school lunches will cost a little more come January in Batavia, as the school board raised prices Tuesday. It had to address an inequity between what it charges for all students, and what the federal government pays in reimbursement for low-income students' lunches.

Church, Dist. 25 make parking deal, won't stop teardowns By Melissa Silverberg
Orchard Evangelical Free Church and Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 have signed an agreement to share each other's parking lots, but the deal won't end the church's controversial plan to at some point tear down eight homes in the Hickory Meadows neighborhood and build a larger parking lot. “We've had an informal relationship for years now,” said Superintendent Sarah Jerome.

Sports

Clippers hold off Jazz for 103-99 preseason win Associated PressDarren Collison scored 14 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and Blake Griffin had 15 points through the first three periods, helping the Los Angeles Clippers post a 103-99 preseason victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.

Things went wrong, quickly, for St Louis in Game 1 Associated PressOne of the best-fielding teams in the league over the regular-season, the NL champs bungled their way into an early deficit in Game 1 of the World Series and went on to lose 8-1 to the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday. St. Louis committed three errors, with several other misplays that spotted Boston to a 5-0 lead after two innings.

Lake Forest shoots past Lake Zurich
By Mike GarofolaA valiant effort from Lake Zurich’s boys soccer team fell short Wednesday night as the Bears fell in a shootout to No. 5 seed Lake Forest in a Class 3A regional semifinal at the west campus of Lake Forest. After 100 minutes could not separate the two North Suburban Conference teams, the host Scouts (13-6-1) converted their first four spot kicks, while Lake Zurich finished just 2 to give coach Rob Parry’s team a 4-2 advantage in kicks, and the 3-2 victory. Lake Forest will host Hersey in a regional final Saturday afternoon.

Preparation pays off for Fenton
By Chris WalkerFenton took the field against some of the top Class 3A boys soccer teams in the state heading into the postseason, losing in considerable fashion to undefeated Hinsdale Central and DuPage Valley Conference champion Lake Park in the past two weeks. Apparently playing against some of the most successful squads prepared the Bison. They came out firing on all cylinders in a 6-1 victory over Glenbard South on Wednesday in a Class 2A Glenbard South regional semifinal.

Hersey finds its form
By Mike GarofolaWith a number of boys soccer heavy hitters falling by the wayside, No. 4 sectional seed Hersey (14-3-3) had to fight for its soccer life for over 80 minutes Wednesday before finally putting away Highland Park. The Huskies outlasted the Giants 3-1 in overtime to earn a spot in the Class 3A regional final against Lake Forest (13-6-1) Saturday afternoon. All-state forward John Cappuccitti helped the Huskies storm to the lead with his go-ahead goal at 85 minutes, then later put the icing on the cake with the final goal against Highland Park (8-9-5).

Kings edge Warriors in preseason Associated PressIsaiah Thomas scored 21 points to help the Sacramento Kings rally in the fourth quarter and beat the Golden State Warriors 91-90 in a preseason game Wednesday night.

Red Sox beat Cardinals 8-1 in World Series opener Associated PressMike Napoli hit a three-run double right after umpires reversed a blown call, Jon Lester made an early lead stand up and the Boston Red Sox romped past the sloppy St. Louis Cardinals 8-1 Wednesday night in Game 1 of the World Series.

Meadows’ Kemph twins looking for winning memories
By Jonathan JonesRolling Meadows twins Allie and Jackie Kemph have earned their third and final berth into the girls tennis state tournament, and the much-decorated seniors aim to make the most of their finale. In addition to their state tourney appearances, the Kemph sisters have netted two sectional championships and a Mid-Suburban League doubles crown. They have every reason to believe they’ve saved their best tennis for last.Brightening their outlook headed into today’s first-round state tournament action, which begins at 8 a.m. at all 12 MSL schools, is the fact that they’ve posted a 12-2 record against doubles teams who are in the tournament. This season has been particularly special for the Kemphs. That’s partly because they’ve been playing their best tennis, improving their overall record to 74-22 and earning a 17-32 state tournament seed. But mostly it’s because this is likely their last hurrah as a tennis tandem.

Bulls’ Rose continues to show he’s ready for season
By Mike McGrawDerrick Rose played significant minutes once again and Jimmy Butler returned from three games off with a bruised knee when the Bulls battled the Oklahoma City Thunder in Wichita, Kan. on Wednesday.

Five Things to Know about this World Series Associated PressWeather permitting, the World Series is set to start Wednesday night at Fenway Park with the Boston Red Sox hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Here are five things to watch when the Cardinals and Red Sox play ball.

No. 11 Fremd ousts Round Lake
By Rusty SilberAdd Fremd to the list of teams that have pulled off upsets in the opening round of the state playoffs. The 11th-seeded Vikings ousted No. 6 Round Lake 4-1 in the Class 3A Carmel Catholic regional semifinals Wednesday night. Buffalo Grove, Carmel and Palatine have also captured upset wins this week. “I’m not surprised,” Fremd coach Steve Keller said of his team’s win. “It wasn’t pretty, but we did what we had to do. We have some things that we need to correct by Friday.” Fremd (8-7-6) will take on host Carmel, the No. 14 seed, at 7 p.m. Friday for the regional championship. The Corsairs stunned No. 3 St. Viator 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Lucic, Krug help Bruins beat Sabres 5-2
Associated PressMilan Lucic had two goals and an assist, and Torey Krug also scored twice to help the Boston Bruins beat the reeling Buffalo Sabres 5-2 on Wednesday night.

Bucks hold off Knicks 105-95 in preseason
Associated PressCaron Butler scored 24 points and reserve Gary Neal added 15 to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to their first preseason victory, 105-95 over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.

Larkin ends Dundee-Crown’s dream season
By Steve NicholsThe Dundee-Crown boys soccer team had only one blemish all season. Until Wednesday night.The Chargers were perfect in the Fox Valley Conference, nearly had every regular season game won but one, a 0-0 tie in the Indian Cup tournament against Hononegah. But Wednesday night at Millennium Field, when it counted the most, that dream season came to an abrupt end. After 100 minutes couldn’t settle things, the Royals were able to knock off the undefeated Chargers in penalty kicks 4-2 to win a Class 3A Streamwood regional semifinal 1-0.

Wisconsin’s White, Abbrederis often overlooked
Associated PressAt most other schools, James White and Jared Abbrederis would be the top attractions. The active career FBS leader in rushing touchdowns and one of the top receivers in the Big Ten. At No. 22 Wisconsin, they can be overlooked in the shadows of two of the conference’s brightest stars in running back Melvin Gordon and linebacker Chris Borland, at least outside Badgers country.

Football: Week 8 MVPs
Daily Herald reportDaniel Santacaterina of Geneva and Michael Mariella of Vernon Hills have earned Daily Herald MVP honors for the performances in Week 8 of the high school football season.

St. Charles East withstands rival’s challenge
By Chris WalkerSt. Charles East wasn’t super enthusiastic when it learned that rival St. Charles North would be coming to Norris Stadium for a Class 3A regional semifinal on Wednesday night. After a scoreless first half, Saints coach Paul Jennison’s message to his lads was clear, “put the ball away. The longer we let them hang around, the better their chances are and in a rivalry game at this point in the season we need to distance ourselves.” Similar to the Saints’ 1-0 victory at St. Charles North on Oct. 12, they once again controlled possession but didn’t seal the contest until there was 1:08 remaining and Jordan Moore scored an insurance goal on a beautiful cross from Tyler Robbins for a 2-0 victory.

Genoa-Kingston capitalizes on Aurora Central’s mistakes
By John LemonWhatever margin for error there is during the regular season, one mistake in postseason soccer can be all it takes to send a team home. Aurora Central Catholic made two such miscues Wednesday afternoon at the Class 1A Genoa-Kingston sectional semifinals, and those two plays were the difference in the Cogs’ 2-0 victory.

South Elgin shocks Streamwood
By Steve NicholsThe snowflakes started to fall in the final seconds of the Class 3A Streamwood boys soccer regional semifinal between No. 1 Streamwood and No. 5 South Elgin. As the final horn sounded Streamwood did, too. An emotional and physical South Elgin pulled off one of the most surprising stunners in recent Fox Valley history Wednesday when it knocked off Streamwood 2-1 at Millennium Field to advance to Saturday’s regional title game against Larkin Saturday at 3 p.m. Larkin upset previously unbeaten Dundee-Crown 1-0 in penalty kicks in Wednesday’s second semifinal.

Raptors rout Grizzlies in preseason
Associated PressDeMar DeRozan scored 21 points, Rudy Gay had 15 against his former team and the Toronto Raptors beat the Memphis Grizzlies 108-72 on Wednesday night, their fifth straight preseason win.

Lake Zurich serves up NSC triumph
By Bill PemsteinIt’s an interesting thought. Why not train someone to be the best server possible in the sport of volleyball and let them dominate from the serving line? It might make the sport a little boring but it could work. At Lake Zurich, they really seem to have a designated server. She’s Marta Tabaka. On Wednesday night in Lake Villa, Tabaka was at the serving line in set one and brought out her best topspin serve. “I pretty much go into serve,” Tabaka said. “I have the topspin serve, which is different from the rest of the girls.” OK, maybe the Bears (26-4) didn’t need Tabaka to dominate the Lakes Eagles in the North Suburban Conference championship. That’s because coach Matt Aiello’s team was doing most everything right. Lake Zurich claimed the NSC title decisively 25-8, 25-16.

Huntley, Hampshire notch wins
Daily Herald reportHuntley 7, Rockford East 0: Niko Mihalopoulos, Eduardo Gonzalez and Jack Bessey each scored 2 goals to lead the Red Raiders (21-2-1) in the semifinals of the Class 3A DeKalb regional. Amir Dajani had Huntley’s other goal. Austen Emery and Tommy Helm split time in goal but were not called on to make any saves. Huntley will take on host DeKalb at 3 p.m. Saturday for the regional championship. The Barbs beat Rockford Jefferson 7-0 Wednesday.Hampshire 3, Belvidere North 0: Andy Pederson made 10 saves to register the shutout as the third-seeded Whip-Purs won their semifinal game at the Class 2A Belvidere regional. Jose Hernandez scored twice and Paul Novacovici added a goal for the Whip-Purs (6-15-1). Hampshire will play the host Bucs Friday at 5 p.m. for the regional title.

Cubs need to plug in a batterymate as manager
By Mike ImremThe Cubs are making their managerial search much more complicated than it needs to be. All they have to do is hire the best available candidate that is a former catcher or pitcher.

Football bracketology kicks into gear
By Patricia Babcock McGrawThis is the time of year when every high school football head coach wishes he could hire a numbers/statistics/probability guru. After all, you almost have to be a mathematician to predict the most likely scenarios in the IHSA state football playoffs, which kick off next weekend. “It can be kind of fun sometimes to sit around with the other coaches and talk about the “what ifs,” Grayslake North coach Steve Wood said. “A couple of our (underlevel) coaches, John Sawyer and Scott Kapchinski, are really into it and they’re researching all the possibilities. It’s interesting to look at all that stuff. “But it can also be a bit much because there are so many scenarios out there. You really never know what might happen.”

Stevenson hoping to finish on an ‘up’ note
By Marty MaciaszekStevenson’s top six girls tennis players have not experienced many down times this season with a combined 11 losses. But odds are a downer is likely when the three-day state tournament begins today with action at the 12 Mid-Suburban League schools. How players respond will determine if the Patriots can stay up near the top of the team standings and claim the program’s third state trophy, and possibly first state title, when the tourney wraps up Saturday at Buffalo Grove.

Crystal Lake South stuns Cary-Grove
By Dave HessThird-seeded Crystal Lake South simply refused to lose. Trailing 2-0 to second-seeded Cary-Grove with less than 10 minutes left in the match, the Gators got 2 goals from freshman Andrew Grabowski in regulation and the game-winner from senior captain Gary Sexson in the first overtime as they stunned the Trojans 3-2 in 2 overtimes in a semifinal game of the Class 3A Crystal Lake South boys soccer regional Wednesday night. The Gators will play top-seeded McHenry for the regional championship Saturday at 3 p.m.

Meriweather’s suspension down to 1 game
Associated PressWashington safety Brandon Meriweather’s two-game suspension from the NFL for multiple helmet-to-helmet hits was cut in half Wednesday on appeal. He was flagged twice in Sunday's game against the Bears.

Early returns good for CrawfordBy Tim SassoneAlmost a month into the season, Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford is 5-1-2 with a 2.04 goals-against average and .921 save percentage. He has allowed 2 or fewer goals in six of those games. Only Pittsburgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury had better numbers through games of Tuesday. Fleury was 7-1-0 with a 1.74 goals-against average and .930 save percentage.

Offensive line coming together for Glenbard West
By Dave Oberhelman and Kevin SchmitOffensive philosophy never changes for Glenbard West’s football team. Personnel changes, however, are constant. Heading into this season the Hilltoppers (7-1) knew they’d be leaning on the ground game with returning 1,000-yard rusher Scott Andrews and talented backfield mate Jermon Kindle-Joyner. With Devante Toney and other options at fullback, there was plenty of reason to expect big things running the ball. But what about the offensive line? Although the Hilltoppers returned North Carolina State-bound right tackle Eric Shute, they also had to break in four new starters.

An anniversary Heidkamp doesn’t celebrate
By Dave OberhelmanWhat great luck! Four old high school buddies got on the TicketMaster website and purchased tickets for Game 6 in the Chicago Cubs’ National League Championship Series against the Florida Marlins. Four seats right on the brick wall down the left-field line, just about even with Cubs outfielder Moises Alou.

Bartlett duo primed to defy seeding again
By John RadtkeHere’s a challenge for a cold winter day. Go to the IHSA website and research how many girls tennis players have advanced to the state tournament four straight years in doubles play with four different partners. The first name that will pop up on what’s likely a very shortlist is Bartlett’s Gabby Gregorio. When she takes the court with her senior partner Jen Gates Thursday morning at Prospect High School, Gregorio will have come full circle in more ways than one. Her first state doubles partner was Jen Gates’ sister, Katie, back in 2010 when Katie, now a sophomore at Valparaiso, was a junior and the pair finished third at sectionals. Jennifer Parato was Gregorio’s 2011 sectional championship partner — they won the championship match over Katie Gates and Kaylen Kress — and last year it was Jitsung Sirinit and Gregorio who teamed up to take second at sectionals. Last weekend, Gregorio and Jen Gates slapped seeds in the face with their St. Charles East sectional title. They came in seeded third and rose to the challenge, beating Batavia’s Jenny Mizikar and Amelia Cogan for the sectional title.

Penn State, Robinson ready for No. 4 Buckeyes
Associated PressGetting caught up in the pregame hype surrounding Saturday’s game at No. 4 Ohio State is one catch Penn State receiver Allen Robinson would prefer not to make. “I’d say it’s one of the bigger games I’ve played in, but I try not to think too much about that,” Robinson said.

Meyer says offensive line is Buckeyes’ backbone
Associated PressUrban Meyer has a dynamic quarterback in Braxton Miller, powerful tailback in Carlos Hyde and several strong receivers. Yet the Ohio State coach gushes about the unheralded guys on offense.

Michigan to play Central Florida, Air Force and SMU
Associated PressThe Wolverines announced Wednesday that they’ll host Central Florida in 2016, Air Force the next season and SMU in 2018. Michigan won’t play Ball State in 2016 as it previously planned and says the matchup will be moved to a later date.

Bearded rockers cheer scruffy Red Sox
Associated PressThe bearded rockers from ZZ Top are rooting on the hirsute Red Sox in the World Series. Lead vocalist and guitarist Billy Gibbons tells The Associated Press the group likes what it sees in the Boston beards. “Beards, balls and bats have long been a presence on the diamond, going back to the very beginnings of baseball,” he wrote in an email. “We’re right in step with the phenomenon of the cultivation of chin whiskers which has boosted our Boston buddies to do as well as they have.”

Mike North video: Meeting Limbaugh and Sixx
Mike North in Los Angeles for Fox Sports radio saw both ends of the spectrum in radio — first meeting Rush Limbaugh and then across the hall Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue. Light years apart.

Weir retires from figure skating
Associated PressKnown as much for his outrageous costumes and comments as his intriguing skating, Johnny Weir is leaving the ice for the broadcast booth. He hopes to be just as offbeat and entertaining in his new career.

2014 Tour de France will have a bit of everything
Associated PressTracing a route that could limit the strengths of defending champion Chris Froome, the 2014 Tour de France will rattle over bone-jarring cobblestones, pay homage to World War I battlefields, climb unfamiliar ascents in eastern France and have only one time trial.

Rams bring in two more QBs
Associated Presshe St. Louis Rams have signed Brady Quinn and Austin Davis, quickly adding quarterbacks after losing Sam Bradford to a season-ending left knee injury. Kellen Clemens, the backup the past two years, will make his first start since 2011 on Monday night against the Seahawks.

Suh isn’t sure he’ll accept NFL’s offer to meet
Associated PressNdamukong Suh asked for and was given a chance to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to talk about his play two years ago. Now, the league wants to discuss Suh’s discipline-filled season with the Detroit Lions defensive tackle and he hasn’t decided whether to accept the invitation.

Bottom line: A slur is a slur is a slur
By Mike ImremMike Imrem discusses the debate about whether the NFL team in Washington should stop calling itself the "Redskins." And comes down on the side of those who say it should.

Business

Obama sides with Tea Party as House passes dredging bill
Bloomberg NewsThe U.S. House approved 23 commercial navigation, flood control and environmental restoration projects, work that could cost taxpayers as much as $8.2 billion over the next decade.The vote for the measure, H.R. 3080, was 417-3. If enacted, it would be the first law authorizing dredging, levee construction and port projects since 2007.The bill was the first major policy legislation considered since the partisan stalemate that shut down the federal government for more than two weeks.“This is how we ought to work,” Representative Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the No. 2 House Democrat, said on the floor.Large commercial projects that would be authorized under the legislation include dredging the Sabine-Neches Waterway, a major oil and natural gas refining area on the Texas-Louisiana border, and deepening Savannah Harbor in Georgia.The measure won the votes of both Democrats and Tea Party- backed Republicans, who were targeted by shipping industry groups in a months-long advocacy campaign that focused on the Constitution and the importance of interstate commerce.“It’s been persuasive,” Georgia Republican Jack Kingston said in an interview. “It’s not some backroom sudden concept.”The measure would cap spending on the waterway projects and limit the amount of time that could be spent on required environmental reviews. It also would set up a process to revoke $12 billion previously authorized for projects now dormant.Obama SupportThe White House endorsed the bill in a statement of administration policy, though it pointed out parts of the bill it wants to be changed.President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden have repeatedly toured ports calling for passage of waterway infrastructure legislation to boost U.S. exports.“In a couple of years, new supertankers are going to start coming through the Panama Canal,” Obama said in a July tour of Jacksonville Port on the Atlantic coast of Florida. “If we want our workers and businesses to compete, then our ports have to be ready to receive those supertankers. Otherwise, they’ll go to Brazil or some other place.”Lawmakers next will seek to merge the bill with a version that the Senate passed in May, S. 601.To contact the reporter on this story: Derek Wallbank in Washington at dwallbankbloomberg.netTo contact the editor responsible for this story: Katherine Rizzo at krizzo5bloomberg.net

700 IRS contract workers owe $5.4 million in back taxes
Associated PressUnlike other federal agencies, the IRS requires employees and those who work on agency contracts to comply with federal tax laws. That means they have to file returns on time and either pay all the taxes they owe or enroll in a payment plan.

Crowdfunding about to take a giant leap
Associated PressFor years, filmmakers, artists and charities have used the power of the Internet to generate money for projects. But in the coming year, with the blessing of Congress, startups will be allowed to raise money this way by selling stock to small-time investors.

S&P 500 index falls after 4 days of record closes
Associated PressThe S&P 500 fell 8.29 points, or 0.5 percent, to 1,746.38, ending its longest streak of record closes since mid-May. The S&P 500 had surged 6 percent over the previous two weeks, capped by a record close of 1,754.67 on Tuesday.

Emanuel’s budget comes with a warning
Associated PressChicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel outlined his proposed $6.97 billion budget Wednesday but warned that if state lawmakers don’t enact pension reform before the city’s own obligations surpass more than $1 billion next fiscal year, Chicago would be such an expensive place to live and work that residents and companies may flee.

Insurance brokers air frustrations with health care website
Associated PressAnother broker, Shelley Schiff of Glenview, said she’s inundated with phone calls from clients who are uninformed. People well above the poverty line have asked her where they can get their “Obamacare” health insurance for free. While the law provides tax credits to help make insurance more affordable, middle-class consumers still will have to pay at least a portion of the cost to get coverage.

Motorola Solutions hurt by government shutdown By Anna Marie Kukec
Daily Herald Business Writer
Motorola Solutions said Wednesday its third-quarter sales and earnings dropped, so it will continue to seek voluntary buyouts of middle managers in U.S. offices, including at its Schaumburg headquarters. But its chief executive said the company has no current plans for a general workforce layoff. “We expect a few hundred in the buyout, but we don’t have a target figure,” CEO Greg Brown said.

Already in Chicago, EBay expands same-day delivery
Associated PressEBay is expanding its same-day delivery service, already on line in Chicago, to more locations and letting buyers and sellers create “collections” of products available on its site as it moves beyond its roots as an online auctioneer.

Quinn: Pension problem is 'extreme emergency' Associated PressGov. Pat Quinn is disputing a fellow top Democrat's statements that Illinois' nearly $100 billion pension shortfall isn't a crisis. Senate President John Cullerton has said that the pension shortfall is not an imminent crisis, but that finding a solution can keep the state's income taxes down.

TSA unveils faster screening at Milwaukee airport
Associated PressThe government is rolling out faster passenger screening at Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport. The Transportation Security Administration debuted its new “TSA PreCheck” program at the airport Tuesday. The expedited screening program allows travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belts and keep laptop computers in cases at security checkpoints.

Caterpillar 3Q earnings tumble 44 percent
Associated PressPeoria-based Caterpillar says its third-quarter earnings plunged 44 percent, and the construction equipment maker cut its 2013 forecast again, partly because of weaker mining equipment sales. The company says it earned $946 million, or $1.45 per share, in the quarter that ended Sept. 30. That compares with earnings of $1.7 billion, or $2.54 per share, in last year’s quarter.

Boeing in deal to sell 20 737s to Aerolineas Argentinas
Associated PressChicago-based Boeing Co. said it has signed an agreement to sell 20 of its 737-800s to Aerolineas Argentinas. The order would be worth $1.8 billion at list prices, although discounts are common. The Argentinian airline already has 26 similar planes.

Production lines to roll soon at Georgia Caterpillar plant
Associated PressA company engineer says production lines at Caterpillar’s new Georgia plant will be rolling in time to meet the manufacturing firm’s Nov. 1 goal. Kevin Turner, a supply chain planning engineer, tells The Athens Banner-Herald that a new Caterpillar 308 mini-excavator will roll off the line that day.

Phone call can help get around health law glitches
Associated PressThe best strategy for Illinois residents who want to sign up for insurance under President Barack Obama’s health care law may involve the telephone. State officials suggest scheduling an appointment with an enrollment counselor by phone. And, on Monday, Obama gave a federal call center number when he made his nationally televised remarks about the health law’s website problems.

Burns Harbor shipments to be highest in 6 years
Shipments at the Port of Indiana Burns Harbor are on pace to reach the highest annual total in more than six years. The Times of Muster reports total tonnage that passed through the port on Lake Michigan near Portage jumped 16 percent in September.

Life & Entertainment

Weekend picks: Rediscover Lisa Marie Presley at Arcada By Scott Morgan and Laura StewartLisa Marie Presley's back and ready to perform songs from her recent album, “Storm & Grace,” at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. Prepare for scares when Megan Wells, Jim May and Jay O'Callahan perform scary stories during the 8th Annual Ray Bradbury Storytelling Festival on Friday at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. Hop on a “haunted” trolley ride leaving from Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville Friday and Saturday.

Cook of the Week Challenge: Motyka, Murphy, Rich, Wikrotek head to cook-offBy Deborah Pankey
Daily Herald Food Editor
They battled beet-stained hands, hot grills, canned sardines and Twizzlers, but those ingredients did not get the best of Lori Wiktorek, Christine Murphy, Lori Motyka and Dan Rich. These four suburban cooks won their Round 2 recipe challenges and will head to the Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off on Oct 30.

Lean and lovin’ it: Breakfast’s role in weight loss plansBy Don MauerThere’s a war going on over breakfast and weight loss and I’m about to step in the middle of that battlefield. Care to join me? You’ve heard it said hundreds of times: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Is it? Really? Let’s look at some facts.

Underwood will star on live TV in ‘Sound of Music’
By John Carucci, Associated PressThe end of the year looks busy for Carrie Underwood, and she couldn’t be happier. The six-time Grammy winning singer will host the Country Music Association Awards for the sixth time. You can see her every week singing the opening on Sunday Night Football. And for one night in December, she will star in a live television version of “The Sound of Music.”

Willie Nelson’s new albums of duets unevenAssociated PressWillie Nelson’s “To All The Girls ...,” an album of duets with female partners, is custom-made for the download age. Few fans will connect with all 16 songs — the set is too eclectic and too inconsistent for that. But plenty of gold nuggets shine through for those willing to pick through the miscues and throwaways.

Smithsonian opens 1st exhibit on art of yoga
By Brett Zongker, Associated PressYoga is moving from the studio mat to the museum gallery. The Smithsonian Institution has organized what curators believe is the world’s first exhibition about the visual history and art of yoga, looking back at its origins. The Smithsonian’s Sackler Gallery will showcase the exhibit, “Yoga: The Art of Transformation,” through January.

Don’t toss those pumpkin seeds — snack on them!
By Sara MoultonWith Halloween looming, Sara Moulton decided to cast toasted pumpkin seeds as the star of a healthy snack mix. A delight for young or old, it makes a great afterschool treat, or an appetizer at a Halloween party.

Writer LaBute glad to color within the TV lines
By Lynn Elber, Associated PressNeil LaBute is far from snobbish about making room for television in his portfolio of stage and film projects. He directed two episodes of the AMC Western “Hell on Wheels,” wrote the 10-episode drama series “Full Circle” now showing on DirecTV (at 8 p.m. Wednesday, or video on demand) and will write and direct a group of short films, also for DirecTV, planned for next year. “Full Circle" stretches the medium by limiting nearly all episodes to a restaurant setting and conversation between two people who are family, friends or perceived enemies.

‘Steppable’ plants good for walkways, patios and more
By Dean Fosdick, Associated PressPlants you can walk on are attractive additions to pathways. These low-lying perennials can withstand heavy foot traffic, release pleasant odors when crushed, smother weeds and cushion your step in the narrow spaces between bricks or flagstones. “You can use ‘steppables’ for all kinds of applications,” said Kathy Gurnee, owner of Green Thumb Landscaping in Clinton, Wash.

The funny math of clothing sizes
By Mae Anderson, Associated PressWhen it comes to women’s clothing sizes, there’s some funny math going on. The average American woman is about 25 pounds heavier than she was in 1960. Yet women’s plus-size clothing, generally defined as size 14 and up, still makes up only about 9 percent of the $190 billion spent annually on clothes. What’s wrong with this equation? It’s not that plus-size women aren’t into fashion. Rather, the fashion industry doesn’t seem interested in them.

Ridley Scott always gives you bang for the buck By Sean Stangland
British director Ridley Scott’s latest stylish thriller, “The Counselor,” hits the big screen Friday, but the filmmaker known for larger-than-life drama makes an even bigger impact on the small screen. A video pioneer, Scott often makes alternate cuts of his films for home release, in addition to hours of documentary footage. Scott consistently delivers DVD and Blu-ray packages worth your time and money.

Rancheros rounds up familiar Mexican favorites By Jennifer Olvera
As cheery and festive as any Mexican joint around town, Rancheros Mexican Grille & Cantina is the kind of family-friendly, date-friendly place people can't get enough of.

‘Thor’ takes a hit for womankind
Associated PressNatalie Portman says hitting Chris Hemsworth was “one small slap for womankind.” The actress, who reprises her role as Jane Foster in “Thor: The Dark World,” gives the superhero a smack in the Marvel sequel. Portman said that she channeled all her single girlfriends: “You hear all these stories about guys and it’s just good to get a nice on-screen slap like ‘you didn’t call me back.'"

Marching with Lee: A countercultural vision forward
By Kathryn LopezColumnist Kathryn Lopez: Sen. Mike Lee is a man to listen to. Washington, D.C., Congress and some Republican senators are not the most popular people in America today, but suspend your judgment for just a moment. Consider his indictment — of American politics and even conservatism — and his vision for the future.

Snowden, reconsidered
By Richard CohenColumnist Richard Cohen: What are we to make of Edward Snowden? I know what I once made of him. He was no real whistle-blower, I wrote, but “ridiculously cinematic” and “narcissistic” as well. As time has proved, my judgments were just plain wrong.

Writer misguided on several fronts
A Bartlett letter to the editor: In response to Diane Niesman’s letter of Sept. 30 criticizing Congressman Peter Roskam in particular and the GOP in general, let me say she should read something other than the Democratic National Committee’s talking points. Her smorgasbord of inaccurate comments shows clearly her lack of informed discussion. I’ll help her.

Punishments not matching the crime
A Des Plaines letter to the editor: What’s wrong with this picture? Just came back from a drive to South Carolina and couldn’t help but notice their extremely clean highways. Then spotted a sign “No Littering — $1000 fine or prison.” Heck, in Illinois someone shoots someone and gets boot camp.

Voting is important enough to use I.D.
A Streamwood letter to the editor: I am sure there are many more instances in which a photo I.D. is also required, and if there are people who are so far removed from society that they are not involved with any of the activities I have listed above, I don’t think voting is part of their life. If anything, because of the importance of voting in this country, it should always require photo I.D.

It’s a shame to lose Helander
A Libertyville letter to the editor: I read with sadness the statement from longtime Lake County Clerk Willard Helander regarding her plans not to seek re-election next year.

Roskam is no Ted Cruz, and that’s bad
A West Dundee letter to the editor: I have just cut up and trashed the “Roskam for Congress” sign sitting in my garage since the last election. My current Representative Roskam, unlike my former congressman Hultgren, actually voted with the Democrats in the debt ceiling fiasco. Roskam is obviously a Boehner drone interested first in his personal political ambitions before the good of his constituents.

Time to step up and combat heroin abuse
A Glen Ellyn letter to the editor: I commend the Daily Herald for its succession of articles and editorial opinions focusing attention on the record rise of heroin overdose deaths throughout DuPage County. The Herald has been the messenger about this “hidden scourge” for over 10 years, educating its readers of the plight of heroin use.

Leave Tea Party in dust of extremism
An Elgin letter to the editor: I have never felt really scared that our country was is danger from its government, but now I wonder. The Tea Party seems ignorant of the effect of their actions on the U.S. and the disastrous global impression their actions in delaying the budget have caused.